March 26 Progress Report

THE STATS: 6’6” (78 inches), 269.2 lbs (Goal: 240 lbs), BMI 31.1, Current month’s weight loss (March 2011): -7.2 lbs, 2011 weight loss: -20.0 lbs, total weight loss: 114.0 lbs.

My repeated problem of absence: Again, I have to apologize for the absence...it's not from lack of progress or motivation, I still am having plenty of both, thankfully!  I'm a month away from graduating with my Master's Degree from Carnegie Mellon, and I'm making sure to tie up all the loose ends there...it takes more effort than I would like, but that's the way it is!

Progress and Changes in Diet: A few things have changed lately for me, and I'll share my findings briefly.  As I found out a few weeks ago that I'm a finalist for a position with the US Military Academy Band at West Point, I am obligated to meet their physical standards before the final audition round, which is mid-April.   Therefore, I've been, let's say "prodded" into speeding up my progress a bit!  One of my good friends, Mike, recently did something similar, dropping 30-40 lbs. in several months to qualify for a military audition with the US Air Force.  His approach was to cook for himself from the South Beach program, and he shared a few principles with me which have helped me zero in a little on my program.  On his recommendation, I've eliminated some non-vegetable carbs for the short-term, and I'm only eating green vegetables, no corn or carrots anymore for the moment, as they carry a little more sugar than do broccoli and green beans, for example.  This has been positive for me so far, and I've dropped a little quicker as a result.

Here's hoping I'll be able to post a little more frequently!  As always, please post questions and comments, I'd love to hear from you, and if you have questions, that gives me a little more reason to be faithful with my regular posting!

Thanks for reading!

- Dan - 

March 5 Progress Report

THE STATS: 6’6” (78 inches), 275.2 lbs (Goal: 240 lbs), BMI 31.8, Current month’s weight loss (March 2011): 1.8 lbs, 2011 weight loss: -14.6 lbs, total weight loss: 108.6 lbs.

Catching up: For those of you who faithfully read my blog posts, I have to apologize for my absence the last week and a half.  In my defense, I've had some fairly significant unexpected developments in my professional life, and I've had to commit some focus to that.  

Good several weeks of progress: I've lost a few pounds, and am seeing some good results.  Laurelin and I usually make a weekly exception to our normal diet, going next door to the theater to get some bulk trail mix from a whole food market before our movie date.  This seems to be alright so far, it hasn't made a difference in my weigh-ins, and since my body feels fine, I should assume it's okay.  Thankfully, I haven't been suffering many cravings lately, my brain is definitely in weight-loss mode, I don't even consider buying unhealthy food at this point, it's a subconscious decision.  I need to keep that up as long as possible...as last summer, once I push that conscience out of the way a few times in a row, it's a very slippery slope!

Updates/Improvements: I've added a small box on the right sidebar where you can share my posts on Facebook and Twitter, along with a few other popular sites.  I'd encourage you to do so, and I'd really appreciate it!

- Dan -